Betty Jean (Williams) Lewis

Betty Jean Lewis was born Betty Williams on September 15, 1938, in Brickies, Arkansas, to the union of Press and Willie V. Williams. She was one of twelve children. Betty graduated from Hammond Tech and began her professional career as a Buyer/Supervisor at Edward C. Minas Store. She also worked at Calumet National Bank in downtown Hammond and made history as the first African American Head Teller of all branches until her retirement. After her retirement, she became committed to serving her community as a Board Member of the United Neighborhoods, Inc.

Betty accepted Christ at an early age at The Historic Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. A.R. Burns. Betty became a member of New Community Baptist Church and there she served as a dedicated member. She was the Financial Secretary on the Board of Trustees. She also was a dedicated servant to the New Community Baptist Church Mother's Board and Beautification Ministry.

Betty was united in Holy Matrimony to Bruce Marvin Lewis on November 30,1958, and to this union, three daughters were born.

Betty loved to cook for her family and care for them as well. She would give advice to anyone and loved to help anyone who crossed her path. She was a God-fearing woman. She enjoyed going to the casino and supporting all family and friends in their endeavors including athletic events. Her super-powers were listening and giving people her honest opinion. She was an avid collector of Angel and Dolphin figurines.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; Press and Willie V. Williams; her loving husband of 51 years, Bruce Lewis; her daughter, Circe M. Sanders; her great-granddaughter, Liah A. Sanders; her siblings, Thrussie, Johnny, Alice, Eacho, R.J., Catherine, Maxine, Barbara" Hope", Preston, Jr., and Cherie, and her devoted puppy, Lucky Lewis.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, honor, and faith through her twin daughters, Sherizod (Derrick) Harwell and Shalonda (Darnell) Robinson; her nine grandchildren, LaTysha Sanders of Hammond, IN., Marvin (Vanessa) Sanders of Merrillville, IN., Louis (Atavia) Willis, Jr. of Indianapolis, IN., Kevin (Amaryllis) Johnson of Hobart, IN., Breona Muller of Beecher, IL., Kyle Johnson, Brandon Burns, Darnell B. Robinson, Darion Robinson all of Hammond, IN., seven great-grandchildren; Leylah Pippion, Legend Triplett-Hudson, Damian Johnson, Isaiah Johnson, Julian Johnson, Kali Johnson and JaKobi Sanders; loving brother, Robert Williams of Gary, IN.; devoted goddaughters, Shronda Hargrove and Candace Stanley; god-grandchildren, Samantha Simmons, Avery Smith, Ava and Vada Simmons; lifelong friends, Wilma Croon, Peggy Washington, Ruby Howard, Stephanie "Sweetpea" Harwell, Linda Dolphin, Pat Christman, Sandy Hallier, Carolyn Elmore, Pat Moore, and Alvin Ross; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Visitation will be Friday, December 12, 2025, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408 with Visitation Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with Celebration of Life Services 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. from New Community Baptist Church 707 169th Street Hammond, Indiana 46324. Interment Concordia Cemetery 6551 Calumet Avenue Hammond, Indiana 46324.

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